What First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers this way: "Directly supervise and coordinate activities of security workers and security guards."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Advise employees in handling problems or resolving complaints from customers, tenants, detainees, or other persons"; "Apprehend or evict trespassers, rule violators, or other security threats from the premises"; "Assign security personnel to posts or patrols"; "Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire, bomb threats, and presence of unauthorized persons"; "Develop and document security procedures, policies, or standards".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years.
Job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 82,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 85,700 in 2035, an increase of 3,000 jobs (+3.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.2% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $55,940, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $57,481 in New Jersey to $60,311 in New York, a gap of $2,830 (1.05 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $55,940 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 9,800, which is 54.0% of the 18,150 counted across them. New York follows with 8,350.
Highest-paying states
New York ($60,311) and New Jersey ($57,481) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($57,481) and New York ($60,311) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (33-1000) include First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives.
Frequently asked questions about First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
What is the national median wage for First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $55,940. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $57,481 to $60,311.
Which state pays First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $60,311. New Jersey is next at $57,481.
What is the job outlook for First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 3.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,800 openings a year.
What education do First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years, according to BLS.